Time for some clock trivia

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Trivia question: What was the original name of the grandfather clock? Give up? Back in the 17th century, it was called the tall case clock. Not until 1875, when a song titled "My Grandfather's Clock" became popular, did the current name take over.Here's another question. What is different about the Roman numeral VI on all but the most recent grandfather clocks? Tick, tock, tick, tock ... OK, time's up. The answer is that the VI on the older clocks is placed upside down.One more question. How was the number 4 depicted on the face of the older clocks? Today we know it is the numeral IV, but back before 1850 it was printed as IIII.In 1809, Simon Willard made a clock that resembled a banjo. Because of its shape, it has always been known as the banjo clock. There aren't many around that are the real McCoy, as there were mercenaries then as there are now and many of these "authentic" banjo clocks with the "Simon Willard" on them aren't actually genuine at all. The authenticity would have to be determined by a professional.The largest cuckoo clock in the world is in Amish country in Ohio, but the original cuckoo clocks were made in Switzerland and Bavaria in 1730. And there really is a hickory dickory dock clock where a mouse indicates the time.Ever heard of a wag-on-the-wall clock? The weight and pendulum dangle and wag un-encased, hence the wag-on-the-wall. There are many of these clocks still made today, though their original name is no longer in vogue.Very old watches came with a paper inside the back of the watch. The paper was an ad for the watchmaker or repairman. Sometimes these papers are as valuable as the antique watch itself. The papers were engraved, printed, lithographed or handwritten and furnished most of the history of the watch industry in America.The name Elgin is still a popular one in watches. An Elgin that is numbered could be of great value. If the number is below 1,000, it could be a real treasure.We've all heard of the sundial. Ever hear of the pocket sundial? It really existed. The pocket version was used primarily by travelers and was set with the aid of a compass. The permanent sundial must be set on April 15, June 15, Sept. 1 or Dec. 24, and it is only accurate on those days. The time will vary as much as 16 minutes from the actual time on all the other days of the year.For a newsletter of "True Antiques," send $3 plus a long, self-addressed stamped envelope to L&M Publications, PMB 229, P.O. Box 413005, Naples, FL 34103-3005. Be sure to mention the title.Take a look at your clocks, your mother's clocks, your grandmother's or great-grandmother's clocks and see if you have a treasure.(Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of "Mystery of Color." For design inquiries, write to Rosemary at DsgnQuest(at)aol.com.)